If you’re a fan of the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation”, you’re probably familiar with the various merchandise that has been released over the years. One popular item among collectors is the Hallmark Christmas Vacation ornament collection. But when did Hallmark start producing these ornaments?
The Origins of Hallmark Ornaments
To understand how the Christmas Vacation ornaments came to be, it’s important to first understand the history of Hallmark ornaments in general. Hallmark first began producing Christmas ornaments in 1973, with a line of six glass ball ornaments. These initial designs were inspired by Victorian-era art and featured intricate details and vibrant colors.
Over the years, Hallmark’s ornament collection grew in popularity and variety. In addition to traditional ball ornaments, they began producing miniature figurines, pop-culture inspired designs, and limited edition pieces.
The Beginnings of the Christmas Vacation Collection
The first National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation ornament was actually produced by a different company – Carlton Cards – in 2005. The ornament featured Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) tangled up in Christmas lights on top of his roof.
Hallmark took notice of this successful design and acquired the license to produce their own line of Christmas Vacation ornaments in 2009. They started with four designs that year: Clark hanging from his roof, Cousin Eddie (played by Randy Quaid) standing next to his RV, Clark holding his chainsaw after cutting down a tree, and a moose mug – a nod to one of the film’s most iconic scenes.
Since then, Hallmark has continued to release new additions to their Christmas Vacation collection each year. Some designs are re-releases of previous years’ favorites, while others feature new moments from the movie like Clark getting shocked while checking his outdoor lights or Aunt Bethany (played by Mae Questel) bringing a cat wrapped up as a gift.
- Hallmark Christmas Vacation Ornaments Today
As of 2021, there are over 50 different designs in Hallmark’s Christmas Vacation ornament collection. Some are more rare and sought-after than others, with prices on the secondary market sometimes reaching hundreds of dollars.
In addition to the ornaments themselves, Hallmark has also released a variety of other Christmas Vacation merchandise over the years including mugs, shirts, and even a miniature replica of Clark’s house.
Conclusion
While Hallmark didn’t start producing Christmas Vacation ornaments until 2009, the collection has quickly become a fan-favorite among collectors. With new designs being released each year and demand remaining high for older pieces, it’s clear that these ornaments will continue to be a staple in many holiday decorations for years to come.